'If you are lazy and sluggish about spiritual things, strengthen yourself with this heavenly Food; and you will grow fervent. Lastly, if you feel scorched by the fever of impurity, go to the banquet of the Angels; and the spotless Flesh of Christ will make you pure and chaste.' - St. Cyril of Alexandria

When we behold Christ and realize the example He has given us, our lives and our pride should immediately bowÂ—not just because of what was done, but because of who did it! If the Son of God could humble Himself before His disciples, how can I not humble myself in dealing with my brothers and sisters?

Every situation that comes in our lives in which we feel that inner urge to fight for our way needs to be seen as an instrument of God to shape us into a humble servant. As we choose to bow low, just like Jesus, we begin to mirror Him. And each day becomes more and more, Â“He must increase . . . I must decreaseÂ” (John 3:30).

Consider the position that 1 Peter 5:5Â–6 (NIV) tells us to take: Â“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, Â‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.Â’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under GodÂ’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.Â”

Oftentimes when we read this verse, we think the part that says, Â“He will lift you upÂ” automatically means positions, titles, degrees or recognition. But this is far from what Christ meant. Humility cannot be used as a stepping stone to personal promotion. It is a dangerous thing for those in the LordÂ’s service to live with the secret desire to be recognized, feel important, Â“climb the ladderÂ” or be esteemed and rewarded by men.

Humility allows ChristÂ’s life to be perfected in us. But pride, the opposite of humility, works death in us. To be exalted, honored and recognized was the desire of Lucifer. He was not content with what God had chosen for him so he decided to exalt himself: Â“I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of GodÂ” (Isaiah 14: 13). Because of this Lucifer fell, rejected by God because of the pride in his heart. All sin originated in pride and self-exaltation. But our salvation originated in Christ humbling Himself by His death on the cross.